Carbonara is a traditional Italian pasta sauce. Carbonara means coal, and many believe the dish derives its name because it was popular among coal miners. Others believe, however, that the dish is called carbonara simply because of all the black, freshly milled pepper that is used.

Carbonara recipes vary but they are all made from eggs, black pepper, and pancetta or guanciale (pig's cheek or jowl bacon). Other ingredients in Italian versions of the dish include Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino Romano cheese. Some recipes also include cream or milk, garlic, and parsley, although this is not the original, roman version of the dish.

Like most traditional recipes, the origins of the dish are obscure. It is sometimes dated back to Ancient Rome. The name is derived from the Italian word for charcoal. Some say the pasta was first made as a hearty dish for Italian charcoal miners; others say that it was originally made over charcoal grills. Still others state that it is so named because the specks of bacon and pepper in the pasta look like bits of charcoal. It has even been suggested that it was created by the Carbonari ("coalmen"), the members of an Italian secret society: the ingredients could be kept in caves and other hiding places for a long time without deteriorating.================================ Ben 10 Games